Retirement Housing Alternatives

Retirement Housing Alternatives

Article excerpt

Whether 102, 80 or 55, many vintage adults are evaluating their
current and future home alternatives. Most Americans desire to live
out their life in a familiar home environment. While aging in place
is often a goal, it takes thoughtful planning to achieve. In any
case, a nursing home is seldom the preferred choice, but often ends
up the place of last residence. The decision to move to a different
type of residence is generally difficult and based on a number of
factors. Far too often such decisions are made at a time of crisis
and later may have to be reconsidered.

* Population Factors. It is estimated that 7.1 million vintage
adults are currently in need of some level of assistance or ongoing
care. It is expected that this number will escalate tremendously in
the next few years. Of those who need some level of assistance,
almost 80 percent are able to live in their own homes or in
community-based settings. Because more and more elderly are choosing
independent living over institutionalized care, the need and
available options for home and community-based services continue to
grow. Such supportive services help maintain physical, social and
spiritual independence in the least restrictive environment.

About 30 percent (9.4 million) of all non-institutionalized
vintage adults in 1993 lived alone, while 55 percent lived with
their spouses. The remaining 15 percent lived with other people,
both relatives and non-relatives. The percentage, of adults living
alone, increases steadily with age. Whereas, just 23.6 percent of
people age 65 to 74 live alone, among those 75 to 84, 38 percent
live alone, and close to half (48 percent) of those 85 and over live
alone. About 28 percent of those over age 70 who live alone have no
living children. Many of those with children do not live near them
and, therefore, have to look to other sources for home and community-
based services. Over 60 percent of all elderly disabled men, living
in the community, are cared for by a wife, while only 24 percent of
elderly disabled women are cared for by a husband. No matter where
vintage adults live, independent living is fostered by readily
available assistance whether provided through the community, friends
or family.

* Remaining at the Homestead. Living out their life in the family
homestead is an aspiration of many. It is the reality of only a few.
A nuclear family in close proximity certainly can support vintage
adults' desire to remain in their homestead. There are a number of
services that can assist family caregivers to allow individuals in
declining health to stay at home.

Hospice care provides nursing care and a variety of other
supportive services, such as counseling and homemaker services, to
terminally ill persons and their families. Hospice care may be
provided in the individual's home which by regulation includes an
assisted living center or a nursing facility.

Adult day-care services provide a variety of health, social and
related support services, which usually includes a nutritious meal
in a protective setting during the day. Some day-care programs are
designed especially for those with Alzheimer's disease or other
advanced illnesses.

Home health services are provided in a person's own home and can
include part-time nursing services, personal care and homemaker/
chore services, medical supplies/equipment and physical,
occupational and speech therapies.

Transportation services help older people get to and from
shopping centers, keep appointments and, generally, access a variety
of community services and resources.

Respite care provides families temporary relief from the
responsibility of caring for older persons who are unable to care
for themselves. Respite care is provided in a variety of settings,
including the older person's home, the caregiver's home or a nursing
facility.